We’ve all seen the “Stars Without Makeup” photos. Celebs cruising grocery stores, salons and coffee shops without a stitch of Stila or CoverGirl. But the new “bare-faced” is different. Instead of unaltered realism it offers glowing perfection. And recently celebrities have been rocking the look on red carpets (See gallery at left). New York City makeup artist Victor Amos explains the appeal: “Natural makeup is youthful and glowing,” he says. “It’s an aesthetic we all find attractive.” But don’t let the radiance fool you, the look is far from au naturel. Amos breaks down the steps to achieving “the new nude” below.
Step 1: Moisturize
“This look is all about radiance so the more you hydrate your skin the better off you’ll be. Pat on a dime-sized amount of (Malin + Gotez) SPF 15 Face Moisturizer. It absorbs quickly and protects your skin from sun damage with SPF and anti-oxidants.”
Step 2: Prime
“So often women skip this step, but primer is a must because it helps makeup last all day, sops up oil, and minimizes the appearance of pores. Try Whip Hand Cosmetics Set the Stage Primer: It’s super light weight so if you’re not typically a primer wearer, you won’t feel like you’re wearing an extra layer of product.”
Step 3: Even Out Skin Tone
“Apply concealer under eyes to buff out dark circles then use a Beauty Blender or your fingers to work in liquid foundation. Temptu S/B Foundation contains silicone, which locks in moisture and gives skin a natural glow.”
Step 4: Bronze
“Bronzer contours your face while still looking natural. Dust Givenchy Cruise Healthy Glow Powder in Extrême on the apples of your cheeks, forehead, and chin—anywhere the sun would hit.”
Step 5: Highlight
“A brownish highlighter, like MAC Cream Colour Base in Improper Copper reflects light to accentuate your features, but looks natural, like you simply have lit-from-within skin. Tap this powder on the bridge of your nose, cupid’s bow, and tops of cheekbones.”
Step 6: Set It
“A lot of my clients have oily skin, so I’ve tried just about every transluscent powder on the market. Jurlique Citrus Silk Finishing Powder is by far my favorite. It goes on completely sheer. I promise it won’t leave your skin looking ashy. And it helps makeup stay put all day long. I love it!”
Step 7: Emphasize Your Eyes
“This Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad (in Golden Mink) is pricey, but if you’re a natural makeup girl, you’ll never need another shade. Plus the pigments are so saturated, a little goes a long way! Sweep the dark brown shade on your lid and blend up to the crease. Pop the champagne color on the arch of your brow to define it—but don’t get heavy handed. Too much shimmer in this area looks unnatural, not to mention tacky.” Beauty Editor Insight: New nude doesn’t mean boring. Swipe on black liner to create beautifully contrasted eyes. I’ve found the most natural looking liner is a black gel applied with a teeny, tiny brush, like Sephora Pro Bent Liner Brush #23.
Step 8: Hydrate Lips
“Dior Addict Lip Glow is a flattering pink that adjusts to suit your lip shade perfectly. Plus its moisture-rich formula leaves your lips soft and smooth.”